8 Money lessons I have learnt by reading this book – FINANCIAL JOY -written by Ken & Mary
I recently bought this amazing book and it’s one of the best books I’ve ever bought.
See, I’m 55 years old and I am so ashamed to say that I haven’t got any money saved for my retirement! (which is going to be in 10 years) I know it’s not too late for me and I can start where I am now.
So I’m glad I got this book! And I have started applying most of the advice in the book.
So why am I sharing this with you? I’m sharing because I Don’t want you to wait until you are my age before you start doing something about your future!
So here are some lessons I learnt while reading this amazing money book:
8 Money lessons
MONEY IS A SERVANT: So learn to MANAGE it and it will SERVE you for life.
Pay yourself first by saving 25% of your salary (if you can and live on the rest.
Have an emergency fund – (save at least three months of living expenses inside your emergency fund, just in case life happens and you need money!
Live below your means
Stop buying on impulse
Stop eating out every time: Instead prepare your meal at home.
Pay your bills on time
Check your bank statement every week by tracking your expenses and outgoing. -This one is a game-changer for me! I have started looking at my bank statement to see how much has been going out every month. I was shocked to find some. I was shocked to find out how much money I have been spending. One of the things I saw was how much I have been spending on eating out.
I’m sure you will be surprised if you start tracking your expenses too. Starting today! Go on your online banking and just start tracking your expenses on your bank statement!
I’m still reading this book. I’m almost halfway through and I will continue to share what I’m learning as I read
I will recommend that you go on Amazon and buy this book today! Your future self will thank you 🤩
It’s exam week across many schools in the UK, and as a parent who supports other parents, I just wanted to say — you’re not alone! ❤️
This season can be stressful for our kids, and sometimes even more for us. But with the right support, encouragement, and love, we can help them feel calm, confident, and ready.
Here are a few gentle reminders for supporting your child this week:
🧘🏾♀️ Create a calm space to study 🍽️ Keep meals healthy & sleep routines steady 👂🏽 Listen and be present 💬 Use encouraging words: “Do your best, I’m proud of you” 🎉 Celebrate effort, not just results
Let’s lift our kids with love, not pressure. 💛 You’ve got this, and so do they! 🙌🏾✨
Sending hugs to every parent out there supporting their little (or big!) learners this week. We rise by lifting others 💫
Dear amazing parents, today is another Tuesday. If you have been following me you already know that I share parenting tips every Tuesday on this platform and my blog.
Today I am going to be sharing what it means to raise your 6-year-old as if you are raising an adult. Raising your little one as an adult is important because you don’t want them to depend on others for everything when they are teens or an adult. If you haven’t started yet, please start giving them responsibility at home, even if it is as little as cleaning their dishes and cleaning their room.
There are grown men out here looking for women to replace their moms and daughters looking to be dependent upon and unconditionally spoiled by a man.
So I ask, Moms, are you preparing your sons & daughters to be self-sufficient?
Will your son starve without a woman in the kitchen or without having Uber Eats on speed dial?
Will your son understand the concept of colour separation when it comes to laundry, or will everything be sent to a dry cleaner? Or worse, will he be bringing them home for you to handle? Does he understand that the quantity of his sexual conquests does not define manhood and that No, means no?
Are your daughters being raised to believe that beauty trumps everything else? Are they receiving the following messages, consciously or unconsciously, that academics are not as crucial if you are cute and personable? Find yourself a man with money, honey; in other words, are they being led to believe that a man is a financial plan?
How often are you the example of financial responsibility? Saving more than you spend, making your own money, and showing them the importance of doing the same.
Are you teaching your children how to fish on their own, or are they being raised to feel as though your financial pond is always accessible and unlimited? (that means, you always give them everything they ask for)
Self-reliance rocks. There is more to life than fashion, nails, six-packs, and hair.
The more rational we are in preparing them to go out into the world to use their wings, the lesser the chances of them wanting or needing to fly back to the nest because of their inability to be self-sufficient.
Prepare them now for the future, so that when the opportunity to enjoy Your Life as an empty nester arrives, it can remain that way. You’ve earned it, don’t you think?
Happy parenting 😁❤️
Remember when we know better we must do better!
What are you going to start teaching your little one to do at home today?
So as I was thinking of what to share with you guys today my voice Son’s voice stopped me on the track when he said to me that he is going to be a manager for a week in his office. I was so proud of him because I know he is the youngest in his office and I think that says a lot for them to be able to trust him to be able to give him back the manager area role.
That was when I realise everything I’ve been teaching him has come down to this moment
You see us, Parents we raise this children from lead to for moment like this when they beholder and you can see how amazing they turn out to be and he really has experience. This is one of the greatest feelings 1 can have.
When I was reminiscing on this I was so proud of myself as well and I said to myself ‘Olu, you’ve managed to raise a very kind and responsible person who is now an access to society.
So. why am I sharing thie to with you? I’m just trying to let you know that your five-year-old that you are raising now is not gonna stay like that forever so whatever you’re doing right now while you’re raising them. You must always remember that you’re raising not raising a child, rather you are raising an adult!
I’m sure as parents we want to raise children that would be an asset to their generation.
We are raising them to be a wonderful human being who will be kind and nice people to themselves and other people.
Also, if you are a parent of young children and you would like to learn more about how to be an intentional appearance then visit My blog today there you will find lots of positive parenting tips and resources that I’ve been sharing for over two years
I am that overprotective Mum, especially when it comes to my youngest son. I shelter him because I love him so much.
My youngest son is 21 and he still lives at home with us. However, I get myself worked up every time he comes home late. Sometimes I won’t be able to sleep until he gets home. I will keep calling him until he gets home. Most times he will switch off his phone on purpose and I will be so mad and think he is being rude.
The other day he said to me “Mum please stop calling me when I’m out” and he reminds me that he is 21 now and he doesn’t need me checking up on him every time!
It’s crazy as a mom how you prepare your son for adulthood and you did such a good job that they don’t need you any more… 😆
So it was hard to hear this from him, but I have to keep reminding myself that he is a man now and I know he’s a good kid. I’ve raised him to be respectful and kind so I know he will be fine and I also have to accept that he is grown now!
So if you are the parent of teens or young adults please remember your children are growing up so you need to try to accept that and release them and let them be.
Also, you need to remember that you can’t receive your blessings with a closed hand, they can’t grow until you release them. All we can do as parents is to keep praying for them and ask God to protect them.
As for my son, I still worry about him sometimes, especially when he is not home on time, however, now I just pray and commit him to God and then go to bed.
I’m praying for strength and guidance for every parent reading this today. God bless our children and children everywhere.
May our children continue to be our source of joy – Amen 🙏
This is one of the most common questions I get from parents—and it’s a very valid one. The 11 Plus exam can feel daunting, and as a parent, you want to be sure your child isn’t just *trying*, but truly *ready*. So how can you tell?
Here are some key signs your child may be ready for the 11 Plus:
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1. They’re Scoring Well in Practice Papers.
If your child is consistently scoring around *75 -85% or higher** in *GL-style practice papers* (under timed conditions), this is a strong sign they’re on track. If they’re below that, don’t panic—there’s still time to improve with the right plan.
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2. They Can Work Under Time Pressure
Readiness isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about speed and accuracy A child might know how to solve problems, but can they do it quickly? The 11 Plus is a timed exam, so being able to -manage their time and stay calm under pressure is key.
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3. They’re Confident with Core KS2 Maths & English
The exam often stretches beyond the school curriculum, but your child should have solid skills in:
– **Maths**: Fractions, percentages, long division, word problems.
– English -Comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, spelling.
If these are shaky, it’s best to work on them consistently before test day.
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4.They’ve Been Exposed to All 11+ Question Types
Has your child practiced **verbal and non-verbal reasoning** (if required by your exam board)? Have they seen a variety of comprehension texts or different types of maths puzzles? Familiarity brings confidence.
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5. They’re Mentally and Emotionally Prepared
The 11 Plus journey can be intense. Is your child:
-Motivated (even a little)?
– Able to take feedback and learn from mistakes?
– Resilient – when things get tough?
If the pressure is causing distress, take a step back. It’s better to nurture confidence and curiosity than to push too hard.
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6. They’ve Sat a Mock Exam
A mock exam is a great way to assess readiness. It simulates the real experience and helps you identify gaps. If your child can handle a mock confidently and apply what they’ve learned, it’s a strong sign they’re nearly ready.
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Final Thoughts:
No child is ever 100% ready, and that’s okay. Readiness is a combination of – academic ability, test strategy, and mindset. With the right support, most children can make huge progress—even in the final months.
If you’re unsure where your child stands, consider getting a mock test done or speaking to an experienced 11+ tutor (like me!) for a personalised assessment.
What is the 11 Plus? When Should You Start Preparing? Is Grammar School Compulsory?
Today, we’re talking about the 11 Plus exam—what it is, when you should start preparing your child, and whether grammar school is even necessary. I wish I had known all this earlier, and I don’t want you to make the same mistakes I did!”
For those who don’t know, I used to be a primary school teacher in a local primary school. But when I first heard about the 11 Plus, I realized I didn’t know much about it. So I decided to self-teach myself the 11 Plus subjects—maths, English, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Now, I work as a private tutor, specializing in preparing kids for the 11 Plus, and I offer both face-to-face and online Zoom classes. If you need support for your child, feel free to reach out in the comments below!
Now, let’s break it all down!
First things first—what is the 11 Plus? The 11 Plus is an entrance exam taken by Year 5 students in England for admission into selective grammar schools in Year 7. It tests four key areas: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English, and maths.
Not all areas in the UK have grammar schools, but in places like London, Kent, and Buckinghamshire, they are highly competitive. These schools are known for their strong academics, and because they’re state-funded, they’re free!
But here’s the catch—unlike regular secondary schools, your child must pass this exam to get in
When Should You Start Preparing?
Now, let’s talk about preparation. A lot of parents don’t realize that you need to start early. Ideally, you should begin light preparation in Year 3 or Year 4. Why? Because the 11 Plus is tough, and competition is fierce!
I personally didn’t know much about it until it was too late for my son, and I regret not starting early. Many kids who pass the 11 Plus start preparing years in advance, using books, online resources, and even tutors.”
Here’s a simple timeline for preparation:*
✅ Year 3 – Light reading, comprehension, and mental maths
✅ Year 4 – More structured learning with past questions
✅ *Year 5 – Full exam practice and timed papers
If you’re serious about grammar school, don’t wait till Year 5 to start!
As a tutor, I always tell parents—consistency is key. Small, daily practice is better than cramming at the last minute. If you’d like me to support your child with their 11 Plus journey, whether in-person or online via Zoom, just drop a comment below!
Is Grammar School Compulsory?
Now, let’s answer the big question—“does your child *HAVE* to go to a grammar school? The short answer is NO! While grammar schools offer great academic opportunities, they are not the only way for your child to succeed.”
There are excellent comprehensive schools, academies, and even private schools, depending on your preference and budget. It all depends on what works for your child and your family.
The key is to research your local schools, check their Ofsted ratings, and see what’s best for your child’s needs.
So, to wrap up—if you’re considering grammar school for your child, start early, be consistent, and use the right resources. But if grammar school isn’t for you, don’t worry—there are many other paths to success!
I’d love to hear from you! Are you preparing your child for the 11 Plus? Do you have any tips or concerns? Drop a comment below, and let’s chat.
And if you found this post helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content on parenting and education in the UK.
HOW TO REGISTER?
To register, the school’s 11+ Application Form and the Local Authority Common form (CAF) must both be completed. There are two stages in the 11 Plus application process for 2025; Parents have to apply directly to the grammar schools of their choice, by June-October 2025
Registration for the 2025 Bexley Selection Test will open on 1 May 2025 and close at midnight on 31 May 2025 for children entering secondary school in September 2026. Late registrations will not be accepted.
Information is Key!
This article is just a guide and I hope you find it helpful .
But Please make sure you do your own research.
Thanks for reading and have a lovely day🙏🏾
Ms Olu ❤️❤️
(Below are some CGP practice papers that you can use for the 11+ preparation. You can get them on Amazon)
I grew up in a home where my mother prays for us. She will wake us all up as early as 5am everyday to pray and read the Bible.
If we had an upcoming exam she would pray for us, and if we were sick we would pray to feel better.
And I am grateful that I had a praying mother! My life and that of my siblings is a testament that God answers our mothers prayers over us.
But lately I sometimes forget to pray for my children. May God help me o. 🙏🏾😊
In addition I haven’t really prayed the Scriptures on my kids and I think there is a power that comes from that.
God says in Hebrews His word is active and alive. And in Isaiah, My word doesn’t he doesn’t return void always accomplish it’s purpose for which it send. So over and over again in scripture we see the power of Gods word.
The more we allow scripture in our minds and we read it and dig into it, the more our desires in our prayers are going to line up with the things we already want to do. So that’s how I think praying the scriptures can really be transformative for a parent
I started really praying with my son when I noticed that he is always angry and acting out in school.
I would say God is still writing his stories like He is still writing mine. So I would never say they are there yet, but I have seen the difference in praying for my son.
Although my other children are adults and doing their own thing, I still pray for them daily.
May God help all mothers, give us the grace to stand in gap as prophets over our family. May He give us the spirit of discernment.
SO DEAR MOTHERS DO NOT SLEEP!
PRAY FOR YOUR KIDS DAILY
My Prayer for our children 🙏🏾
Our Children Will walk in their purpose:
They will walk in their calling.
They will walk in their destiny in life and it shall be fulfilled.
No man, no death, no evil eye will be able to stop them in Jesus’ name! Amen
SAY This Prayers for your children (put your children’s name in the brackets)
Dear Lord, I pray that you grant my son (Tolu) Wisdom, self-control, self-discipline knowledge and understanding. May he become great and may he become a wise person and May you grant all his heart desires in Jesus’ Name! Amen
I have been working with kids for a long time now and I can tell you that I have met some kids that are just naturally confident in the way they speak and interact with others.
While some are just too shy to speak in front of their classmates. Don’t get me wrong, every child is different.
What I have learnt from raising my own son to adulthood, is that kids don’t just know how to do things until we teach them or show them how to.
So if you are a parent who would like to encourage your child to be a confident speaker, then today’s post is for you.
Before I share some tips with you please remember that Rome was not built in a day. So be patient with your children they will get there with lots of practice and persistence is key.
So here we go:
1. Start by encouraging them to tell you about the story they just read, or they can talk to you about their day at school. ( this allows them to improve their pronunciation and helps them become confident communicators)
2. Whenever they are talking you this, please encourage them to look at you. (Eye Contact Matters)
Making eye contact with the you is crucial for effective public speaking. Encourage your child to connect with you or others by making eye contact, as this shows that they are speaking directly to you.
3. Another thing you can do is to allow them to make an order for food or ice. (talking to an adult will help them to be more confident speakers)
4. Encourage family story time and allow them to pick Pick a Topic They Like·
5. Let Them Practice With Speaking Their Siblings or friend
My final thought
Developing these skills will help our children in whatever career they choose. Our children don’t have to be magnificent speakers but the more confident they are when they speak, the stronger their communication skills are.
I remembered the day my son came back from a work event, where he was expected to come out in front of his colleagues to speak about something and he said he was so nervous that he had to make an excuse and leave. Although now is better at public speaking.
But he blamed me for not enrolling him in a public speaking club when he was younger.
So if you have a child that you think needs some help speaking in public please enrol them in a public speaking club.
Empowering children with the confidence and abilities to speak publicly can have a profound impact on their futures.
ANNOUNCEMENT: 📣
During the Easter break, we are going to organise a PUBLIC SPEAKING Workshop for kids ages 6-11. I am organising this event with one of my friends who is a public speaking coach. The workshop is a 3-day events.
Positive Parenting With Olu 